Sharing the road is a fundamental principle of traffic safety that applies to all road users, including both motorists and cyclists. In Louisiana, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.

Mutual respect and understanding help maintain safety and harmony on the road. However, when impatient drivers encounter naturally slower-moving cyclists, tensions can occur, resulting in aggressive behavior that can cause injuries and accidents.

Learn the dangers of passing too closely to cyclists and the best way to move past them safely so you can both continue your journey unharmed. 

The Risks of Road Rage and Close Passing

Road rage and aggressive driving behavior toward cyclists often lead to severe consequences. In 2022, Louisiana reported 44 bicycle fatalities and 558 injuries, highlighting the risks associated with such interactions.

Louisiana law (RS 32:201) prohibits the harassment, taunting, or malicious throwing of objects at cyclists. But some drivers continue to engage in “buzzing” — dangerously passing cyclists at uncomfortably close distances. Not all close passes are deliberate; drivers sometimes misjudge the space to overtake cyclists safely. Regardless of intent, this behavior increases the likelihood of collisions.

Buzzing can lead to cyclists being clipped by vehicles, or swerving or falling to try to avoid a collision, causing severe injuries. It also increases the risk of multiple vehicles being involved in an accident, endangering cyclists, drivers, and other road users.

When You Can Pass a Cyclist

In Louisiana, drivers must carefully navigate around cyclists, guided by specific laws designed to ensure safety on the road. RS 32:76.1 mandates when drivers may pass cyclists and how to do so safely:

  • When overtaking a bicycle, keep at least three feet between the motor vehicle and the bicycle until you are safely past.
  • Always exercise due care when passing a bicycle to prevent accidents and ensure the cyclist’s safety.
  • You may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone, but only if it can be done safely without risking the safety of the cyclist or other road users.

Extra Tips for Safe Passing

In addition to following the state’s laws, you can take extra steps to pass cyclists safely. Do the following when you encounter a bicycle rider on the road:

  • Be Patient: If you can’t pass safely, wait until you can. A few seconds of delay is worth preventing a potentially fatal accident.
  • Give Ample Space: Always aim to give more than three feet of clearance. Treat the bicycle like a small car and change lanes to pass if possible.
  • Reduce Speed: Slow down when approaching and passing cyclists, especially on narrow or winding roads.
  • Be Aware of Road Conditions: Wind, uneven road surfaces, or debris can cause cyclists to move unpredictably. Give them extra space in these conditions.
  • Don’t Use Your Horn: Honking can startle cyclists and cause them to swerve or lose control.
  • Watch for Signals: Cyclists use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. Pay attention to these signals and respond accordingly.
  • Be Extra Cautious at Intersections: Many bicycle-car collisions occur at intersections in busy urban areas. Always check for cyclists before turning.

Protecting Yourself From Liability

Even with all necessary precautions, unpredictable incidents can still occur involving cyclists. They may become distracted by a phone or encounter road hazards like gravel, causing them to swerve into your lane. If you’re involved in a collision that isn’t your fault, you should have measures in place to protect yourself from liability.

  • Document the Incident: Take detailed photos of the accident scene and gather contact information from any witnesses. This evidence can help provide a clear record of the circumstances surrounding the crash.
  • Collect Dash Cam Footage: If your vehicle is equipped with a dash cam, save the footage from the incident and share it with police, insurance, and your attorney. It can help show what happened and ensure a fair and accurate investigation into what happened and who’s at fault.
  • Call the Police: Filing a police report is required for accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $500 or more. The report should contain details about the crash and is typically required to file a claim with your insurance for compensation.
  • Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurer immediately to initiate the claims process, providing them with all pertinent information about the incident. This allows them to investigate the accident, assign liability, and make the appropriate settlement offers.
  • Seek Legal Advice: Consult an attorney to help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. If you’ve been injured, our team at Dudley Debosier can investigate the accident, determine liability, and help you receive a fair settlement for your injuries, based on what the evidence shows.

Stay Safe on New Orleans Roads

Sharing the road safely with cyclists is not just a legal obligation; it’s a moral one. By following Louisiana’s laws and best practices for passing cyclists, you can help prevent accidents and save lives.

If you’ve been injured in an accident in New Orleans, a New Orleans car accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier can help. We understand the complexities of Louisiana traffic laws and can guide you through the legal process. Contact us today for a free case review.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.